Target apparatus for a bag toss game

ABSTRACT

A target assembly for a target toss game is disclosed, comprising a frame including a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember. A plurality of seesaws pivotally mounted via a pivot to the crossmember, each seesaw comprising central portion extending between a first target platform and a second target platform each dimensioned to receive a projectile.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to target-type games and, more particularly, relate to a target toss game having one or more target platforms to receive a projectile.

BACKGROUND

During a social gathering, games are often used for enjoyment and as a way to stimulate conversation and competitive spirit. Specifically, outdoor games often include target toss games, such as lawn darts, cornhole (also known as bag toss, and bags among others), ring toss, and the like, which include the general objective of tossing a projectile towards a target.

Perhaps the most popular target toss game is cornhole wherein players take turns tossing a bag filled with dried corn kernels, dried beans, sand, or other filling towards a target having a raised platform incorporating a hole at the far end. In such, a bag in the hole scores 3 points, while a bag stopping on the platform scores 1 point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds a predetermined score limit (often 21) by means of cancellation scoring.

Various iterations of cornhole have been created, wherein the raised platform comprises more than one hole or wherein the raised platform includes defined regions, which correspond to greater or fewer points being scored. In the current arts, most platforms are static and do not include a mobile component which adjusts the difficulty of gameplay throughout a match.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments described herein provide a target assembly for a target toss game, comprising a frame including a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember. A plurality of seesaws pivotally mounted via a pivot to the crossmember, each seesaw comprising a central portion extending between a first target platform and a second target platform, each dimensioned to receive a projectile.

The target assembly may be utilized for various games such as, for example, wherein each player (team) is provided with four projectiles. Each player aims for the target platform on the opposing side of the target assembly. The seesaws start in a neutral position due to the bias of the pivot. Players will then alternate tossing a single projectile towards their designated target platform. In one aspect, each of the player's three target platforms are provided with varied dimensions such that the largest and easiest corresponds to 1 point, the intermediate corresponds to 2 points, and the smallest and most difficult corresponds to 3 points. Once a projectile lands and is retained on a target platform, it will pivot to a lowered position due to the weight of the projectile. Players gain points each round through cumulative or cancelation scoring until one player reaches a predetermined score limit (e.g., 21 points).

In one aspect, the frame comprises a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember.

In one aspect, the first target platform and the second target platform comprise a target surface.

In one aspect, the first target platform and the second target platform each include a barrier to retain the projectile thereon.

In one aspect, the pivot permits the seesaw to pivot from a neutral position to a raised position and a lowered position.

In one aspect, the pivot is comprised of a first spring and a second spring.

In one aspect, the crossmember is pivotally connected to at least three seesaws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the gameplay scenario wherein players are positioned on opposing sides of the target at which they toss a projectile, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the target and projectile traveling towards the target assembly, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway view of the target platform, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view of the pivot, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to bag toss game target assembly (hereinafter “assembly” or “the assembly”), which comprises a plurality of target platforms provided on a series of seesaws pivotally mounted on a crossmember. The seesaws include target platforms on each side of the seesaw. Players (i.e., the users) stand on opposing sides of the assembly and alternate turns throwing a projectile at the target platforms on the far side of the assembly. Each assembly includes a plurality of seesaws which may have target platforms of various sizes to provide variable difficulty to each target platform. This provides dynamic difficulty throughout gameplay, allowing for various scoring schemes depending on which target platform is hit by the player.

As used herein, the term “projectile(s)” relates to an object thrown, tossed, etc. by each player. The projectiles may include a bag or sack (hereinafter “bag”) filled with a material such as dried beans, dried corn kernels, sand, rocks, or similar materials to add weight to the bag or sack to make the projectile easier to accurately throw towards the target platform, or any other suitable weighted projectile known in the arts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the gameplay scenario 100 wherein first and second players 101,103 are positioned on opposing sides of the target assembly 105 at which they toss a projectile 107. During gameplay, the first player 101 stands at a first side 109 of the target assembly 105 while the second player 103 stands at a second side 111. Each player is positioned at a predetermined minimum distance from the target assembly 105 which may be measured from the center or ends of the target assembly 105. Players alternate tossing the projectile 107 towards the target platforms provided on each side of the target assembly 105, with the goal of landing the projectile 107 on the target platform such that the projectile 107 is retained thereon causing the seesaw to pivot due to the weight of the projectile 107.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the target assembly 105 and projectile 107 traveling towards the target assembly 105. The target assembly 105 comprises a frame 200 including a first base 201 and a second base 202 contacting a ground surface to provide a balance platform for the target assembly 105 to be constructed and used. A first support member 204 and second support member 206 extend from the corresponding first base 200 and second base 202 to elevate a crossmember 208 extending between the first support member 204 and second support member 206. Seesaws 210,212,214 are pivotally engaged with the crossmember 208 such that when the projectile 107 lands and is retained on the target platform, the seesaw will pivot, causing the unoccupied end to raise upwards. Each seesaw 210,212,214 (seesaw 210 described by way of example) includes a first target platform 216 forming a first end 218 and a second target platform 220 forming a second end 222 of the seesaw. For brevity, seesaw 210 is described herein by way of example. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the description of the functionality of seesaw 210 may be applied to any number of additional seesaws provided with the assembly, including seesaws 212,214. Each seesaw 210,212,214 includes a central portion 224 extending between the first and second ends 218,222.

In further reference to FIG. 2, the assembly 105 is illustrated wherein seesaw 210 is retaining a projectile 107 on the first target platform 216 causing the first target platform 216 to lower into a lowered position 228 and the second target platform 220 to raise into a raised position 226. This creates an easier target for the user who has not successfully landed a projectile 107 onto their designated target platform (i.e., second target platform 220), while the user who has successfully landed a projectile 107 onto the first target platform 216 will no longer be able to land a projectile 107 thereon. Seesaw 214 is illustrated in a neutral position 230 wherein no projectiles 107 have landed on either target platform.

In some embodiments, the central portion 224 of each seesaw 210,212,214 may be of equal length. Alternatively, the length of each central portion 224 may change for each seesaw 210,212,214 to add variability to the gameplay.

One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the number of seesaws may be increased or decreased with the length of the crossmember 208. In such, the gameplay may be altered based on the number of seesaws that are targeted by the player.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplary target platform (such as the first target platform 216). While first target platform 216 is illustrated in the current example, one skilled in the arts will readily understand that the concepts described herein related to the first target platform will relate to each target platform provided on the assembly 105. The central portion 224 of the seesaw extends and is integrally molded with the target surface 300 and is dimensioned to receive the projectile 107 once accurately tossed thereon by the user. A barrier 302 extends from the target surface 300 to provide a stopper for the projectile 107 to prevent the projectile 107 from sliding off of the target surface 300. The barrier 302 is effective for both stopping the projectile 107 when thrown, as well as retaining the projectile 107 once the first target platform 216 pivots to a lowered position 226. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the barrier 302 may be provided in various forms and configurations. In the illustrated example, the barrier 302 is a crescent shape such that the barrier 302 includes a left-side portion 304 and right-side portion 306 extending at least partially along the length of each target platform.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the target platforms may change for each seesaw 210,212,214, such that the first seesaw has the largest target platform while the subsequent seesaws have smaller target platform dimensions to add variability to the gameplay.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view of the pivot 400 extending between the crossmember 208 and the seesaw 210. The pivot 400 allows for the seesaw 210 to raise and lower depending on the presence or absence of a bag on the target platform (see FIG. 2). The pivot 400 may include a first spring 402 and a second spring 404, wherein the first spring 402 and second spring 404 each correspond to a side of the crossmember 208. The pivot 400 is biased towards a neutral position 230 wherein the seesaw 210 is approximately parallel with the ground surface. The weight of the projectile causes the pivot 400 to raise or lower a side of the seesaw 210.

In some embodiments, the pivot 400 may be comprised of one or more elastic components, including elasticized rubber or the like. The pivot 400 is tensioned to allow for the pivoting motion of the seesaw 210 under the weight of at least one projectile 107. In such, the tension of the pivot 400 may be changed depending on the weight of the projectiles 107, length of the central portion 224 of the seesaw 210, materials used in the various components of the seesaw 210, and size of the target platform.

The target assembly 105 may be utilized for various games. In one example, each player (or in some embodiments, each team) is provided with four projectiles 107. Each player is aiming for the target platform on the opposing side of the target assembly 105. Each seesaw 210,212,214 starts in a neutral position due to the bias of the pivot. Players alternate tossing a single projectile 107 towards their designated target platform. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each of the player's three target platforms may be of varied dimensions, with the largest corresponding to 1 point, the intermediate corresponding to 2 points, and the smallest corresponding to 3 points. Once a projectile 107 lands and is retained on a target platform, it will pivot to a lowered position 228 due to the weight of the projectile 107. The opposing player may be encouraged to strike the elevated target platform 226 forcing the seesaw 210 to pivot towards a lowered position due to the weight of the projectile 107, thus causing the previously landed projectile 107 to slide off the target platform 216 and thereby relinquishing the point. Players gain points each round through cumulative or cancelation scoring until one player reaches a predetermined score limit (e.g., 21 points).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target assembly for a target toss game, comprising: a plurality of seesaws pivotally mounted via a pivot to a frame, each seesaw comprising a central portion extending between a first target platform and a second target platform, wherein each of the first target platform and the second target platform is dimensioned to receive a projectile, wherein the pivot is comprised of a first spring and a second spring.
 2. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember.
 3. The target assembly of claim 2, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform comprise a target surface.
 4. The target assembly of claim 3, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform each include a barrier to retain the projectile thereon.
 5. The target assembly of claim 4, wherein the pivot permits the seesaw to pivot from a neutral position to a raised position and a lowered position.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The target assembly of claim 5, wherein the crossmember is pivotally connected to at least three seesaws.
 8. A target assembly for a target toss game, comprising: a frame including a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember; and a plurality of seesaws pivotally mounted via a pivot to the crossmember, each seesaw comprising a central portion extending between a first target platform and a second target platform, wherein each of the first target platform and the second target platform is dimensioned to receive a projectile, wherein the pivot is comprised of a first spring and a second spring.
 9. The target assembly of claim 8, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform comprise a target surface.
 10. The target assembly of claim 9, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform each include a barrier to retain the projectile thereon.
 11. The target assembly of claim 8, wherein the pivot permits the seesaw to pivot from a neutral position to a raised position and a lowered position.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The target assembly of claim 11, wherein the crossmember is pivotally connected to at least three seesaws.
 14. A target assembly for a target toss game, comprising: a frame including a first support member extending between a first base and a crossmember, and a second support member extending between a second base and the crossmember; and at least three seesaws, each pivotally mounted in parallel via a pivot to the crossmember, each seesaw comprising a central portion extending between a first target platform and a second target platform, wherein each of the first target platform and the second target platform is dimensioned to receive a projectile and retain the projectile thereon, wherein landing the projectile on the first target platform or the second target platform causes the seesaw to articulate about the pivot to a raised position or to a lowered position, and wherein the pivot biases the seesaw to a neutral position, wherein the pivot is comprised of a first spring and a second spring.
 15. The target assembly of claim 14, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform comprise a target surface.
 16. The target assembly of claim 15, wherein the first target platform and the second target platform each include a barrier to retain the projectile thereon.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The target assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and second target platforms correspond to a point during gameplay. 